Governor Uba Sani on Thursday in Birnin Gwari received the first set of repentant bandits and opened the cattle market, which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.
The governor also said his administration would be fair and just to all.
“I will be fair to everyone, be they farmers, herders and traders, in order to achieve lasting peace and development,” Mr Sani stated.
Mr Sani added, ‘’Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders had laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.”
According to him, the so-called repentant bandits are enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by his government in partnership with the federal government.
‘’This programme adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens,’’ he stated.
The governor warned that the rehabilitation of the repent bandits was based on the principle of carrot and stick.
“While we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence. The security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have already achieved significant results, neutralising bandits’ kingpins, dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims,’’ the governor stressed.
Mr Sani announced that his government was developing a ‘Kaduna Model,’ a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security.
The governor said his administration operates an open-door policy and encourages dialogue as the foundation of lasting peace.
“My message to anyone considering taking up arms is simple: talk to us instead. Let us resolve disputes through dialogue, not violence. To the bandits who have yet to embrace peace, I urge you to reconsider. Enough is enough.
“The days of kidnapping, cattle rustling, force levies and other criminal activities are over.
”Those who genuinely seek to change will find a government ready to support them, protect them and help them rebuild their lives,” said Mr Sani.
(NAN)